Fishing Charters Near Jacksonville, FL
Why Jacksonville anglers head north to Amelia Island
If you live in Jacksonville or are visiting for a game, a conference or a family trip, some of the best fishing in Northeast Florida is a short drive up the road. Big Fin Charters runs private fishing charters out of Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, roughly 35 miles north of downtown Jacksonville and about 25 miles from Jacksonville International Airport.
From our downtown Fernandina Beach dock we can be fishing the St. Marys inlet jetties in a few minutes, work the Amelia River and the Intracoastal Waterway, or run offshore for snapper, grouper and kingfish. You get a private boat, a local captain and all the gear, and you finish the day with lunch or dinner in historic downtown Fernandina Beach.
Getting to our dock from Jacksonville
The quick way: take I-95 north from Jacksonville to exit 373, then head east on A1A (State Road 200) across the bridge onto Amelia Island and into downtown Fernandina Beach. Plan on about an hour from downtown Jacksonville, depending on traffic.
The scenic way: if you are staying at Jacksonville’s beaches, you can follow A1A north, cross the St. Johns River on the Mayport ferry, and drive up through the Talbot Islands to enter Amelia Island from the south end. It is a beautiful coastal drive, so check the ferry schedule and leave extra time.
We share the exact meeting spot on South Front Street when you book. If you are flying in, Jacksonville International Airport is the closest major airport to Amelia Island.
Trips that work well for Jacksonville visitors
Half day jetty trip. Four hours of fishing around the jetties and the inlet. It fits easily into a day trip from Jacksonville and is a great choice for families and first timers.
3/4 day jetty trip. Six hours on the inshore waters, with more time to chase redfish, black drum or tarpon.
Offshore trips from 6 to 12 hours. For serious anglers who want snapper, grouper, amberjack, kingfish, mahi or wahoo. Longer trips mean an early start, so some of our Jacksonville guests stay the night before on Amelia Island.
Compare the options on our jetty fishing and offshore fishing pages.
What you can catch
Inshore and around the jetties we target redfish, black drum, sheepshead, flounder, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, blacktip shark and, in the warmer months, tarpon. Offshore trips go after red snapper, black sea bass, gag grouper, amberjack, king mackerel, cobia, mahi mahi, wahoo and blackfin tuna, depending on the season and the rules in effect.
No gear to haul up from Jacksonville
Leave the tackle box at home. Your charter comes with fishing licenses for the whole group, rods and reels, terminal tackle and bait. The 30 ft boat fits up to 6 guests and the 24 ft boat fits up to 4. All you need to bring is a cooler with food and drinks, sun protection and a camera.
Make a day of it on Amelia Island
Pair your fishing charter with an afternoon in Fernandina Beach. The historic downtown has shops, restaurants and the waterfront, Fort Clinch State Park is at the north end of the island, and the beaches run the whole length of the east side. Read more about Amelia Island fishing charters and fishing in Fernandina Beach.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Big Fin Charters from Jacksonville?
Our dock in downtown Fernandina Beach is roughly 35 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, usually about an hour’s drive by I-95 and A1A depending on traffic.
Do you pick up from Jacksonville hotels?
No. Guests drive to our dock in downtown Fernandina Beach. We send the meeting details and directions when you book.
Which trip is best for a day trip from Jacksonville?
The half day jetty trip is the easiest to fit into a day trip. It is four hours of fishing close to the inlet and works well for families and groups of up to 6.
Do Jacksonville residents need a fishing license for the charter?
No. Fishing licenses for everyone on board are included with your Big Fin Charters trip.
Can I bring a group from work or a bachelor party?
Yes. Each charter is private. Our 30 ft boat takes up to 6 guests and our 24 ft boat takes up to 4. Call (904) 753-3848 if your group is larger and we will talk through options.
Our dock is in downtown Fernandina Beach, about an hour north of Jacksonville. Book online or call (904) 753-3848 and we will help you plan the drive and the trip.